TempoCap Liquidity Indices

At TempoCap, we are closely monitoring the largest exits for European VC-backed technology companies.

As such, we are pleased to share three indices highlighting activity in this area – one for all cash acquisitions, one for cash and stock acquisitions, and one for companies that have gone public. There is a ton of interesting information to dissect here, and below, we provide some initial analysis of these tables.

So far, we have produced two indices: one for Q2 2024 and one for Q3 2024. You can find links to both at the bottom of the page.

A key takeaway from our analysis is that European venture capital has supported the development of some fascinating and innovative businesses over the last five years.

A few notable trends from the Q3 data include:

• On all cash exits: A limited number of these were above $1 billion in Europe over the last nearly five years – we count only five. Out of the top 15 cash exits, six were companies from the U.K., four from Germany, three from France, and two from Scandinavia – including the largest, Tink. 14 out of the top 15 exits were to strategics (with only one PE buyer), and 60% of buyers were U.S. companies. The average time to exit from the founding date was ten years.
• On exits for cash and shares: There have been a limited number of these above $1 billion in Europe over the last circa five years, too — we count only four. The U.K. had six companies out of the top 15, two from Germany, and interestingly one each from Denmark and the Netherlands, while the largest, Wolt, is Finnish. Again, 60% of buyers were from the U.S. The average time to exit from the founding date is nine years.
• On public listings: Here, all 15 listings were above $1 billion—but some didn’t stay above that level post-IPO, and three are no more! Out of the top 15, seven (or nearly half) came from the U.K., three came from Germany, and the largest, UI Path, came from Romania. The average time to IPO from the founding date was 11 years.

We have researched various sources to ensure we have the most accurate information possible, but if you’ve spotted something that needs to be corrected or a company that needs to be added, please let us know at harrie@tempocap.com.